Joshua Biram was trained, in Huddersfield, by a Mr Crossley, circa 1783. Joshua, who was described as 'of Wentworth, gentleman' in 1804, was the son of Benjamin Biram who had been the fulling miller at Bradley Mill in the 18th century.

In 1805, Joshua Biram succeeded his uncle, Benjamin Hall, a native of Golcar, as steward at Wentworth Woodhouse and also managed the Estate's industrial and mining interests.

On his retirement his son took over his duties. Father and son steered the Estate into becoming an extremely wealthy one. The Earl Fitzwilliam thought so much of Ben Biram, one of the 19th Century’s greatest mining engineers, that he began his letters to him with "My dear Ben".

Joshua and his son Benjamin share a family tomb, a table model, beside the entrance to Wentworth Old Church.